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The flow of Indian undergraduate students seeking to study in Canada has seen a marked decline in recent years, largely attributed to the cessation of work permits for their spouses, as revealed in internal government communications. The 2025 report, procured through access to information legislation, sheds light on the various challenges and integrity issues surrounding international students from India, particularly concerning marriages of convenience that were previously leveraged to facilitate their entry into Canada.
A Major Policy Shift
An internal e-mail from Han Duan, first secretary (migration) at Canada’s High Commission in New Delhi, detailed how the Canadian government’s decision in 2024 to end open work permits for the spouses of most undergraduate international students has led to a significant drop in applications. The report indicates that many Indian students had previously relied on these permits to bring their spouses to Canada, allowing them to work and help cover educational costs.
“Given the high cost of studying and living in Canada, many Indian applicants relied on marriages of convenience to secure financial support in exchange for spousal open work permits,” Duan noted. This reliance on such arrangements was widely publicised in Indian newspapers and on dating platforms, raising concerns about the integrity of the immigration system.
The Consequences of Tightened Restrictions
Since the implementation of new restrictions in 2024, the number of Indian study permit holders plummeted from 277,950 in 2023 to just 93,840 in 2025. This drastic reduction has not only affected the students but also the financial stability of Canadian educational institutions that depend heavily on the revenue generated by international students.
The tightening of immigration rules has prompted many prospective Indian students to consider alternative destinations like Germany, Sweden, and Finland, which still offer spousal visas. The trend highlights a broader issue: when countries become less accommodating, they risk losing valuable talent to more welcoming jurisdictions.
Concerns Over Student Quality and Integrity
Alongside the decline in quantity, the e-mail also raised alarm about the quality of applications. Duan noted that there were indications some applicants lacked the necessary English proficiency, despite holding language qualifications. A targeted review aimed at evaluating the integrity of the study permit system revealed serious concerns about the validity of language testing among Indian applicants.
This growing scrutiny of application integrity reflects a broader push by the Canadian government to ensure that its immigration policies are not exploited. Richard Kurland, an immigration lawyer, emphasised the need for Canada to carefully select students who can sustain their studies without resorting to questionable practices.
Government’s Response and Future Outlook
In response to the changing landscape, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has stated that reforms to the International Student Program, while perhaps resulting in lower approval rates, were necessary to enhance the integrity of the system. IRCC spokesperson Jeffrey MacDonald reiterated the importance of protecting genuine students from fraud, stating that immigration officers are trained to identify non-authentic relationships and take necessary enforcement actions against those committing marriage fraud.
As immigration regulations continue to tighten, the Canadian government must navigate the fine line between maintaining security and fostering an environment conducive to attracting international talent.
Why it Matters
The decline in applications from Indian students is not merely a statistic; it represents a significant shift in Canada’s appeal as a destination for higher education. The repercussions of these policy changes could ripple through the economy, affecting educational institutions and the broader workforce. As countries compete for international students, Canada must reconsider its immigration policies to ensure they are both fair and attractive, lest it cede ground to other nations that are willing to accommodate the diverse needs of prospective students and their families.
